Amanda Martin was one bride who is engaged to be married in October 2020 to Jose Arroyo. She attended the expo with friend Megan Love. Love tagged Martin in a Facebook post about the event.

“I’ve seen different shows in Des Moines and I thought this was a perfect opportunity to see local vendors and options,” Martin said.

Martin is unsure which direction she wants to take her wedding in. She knows she wants to get married in Iowa City, which is where she is from. Martin is keeping ideas for her wedding open.

“I just want a day full of love, fun and laughter,” she said.

Times-Republican Publisher Abigail Pelzer said, “We were really pleased with the event and connecting the brides with great vendors — ladies were able to book venues, their photographer, entertainment and appointments with a bridal boutique, just to name a few.”

Held at the Midnight Ballroom, 16 vendors ranging from photographers to bridal dress shops, from DJ services to Tupperware, were present to show off their wares and services.

“The highlight of the afternoon was a runway show that featured gorgeous gowns and tuxes,” Pelzer said. “It was a real fashion show for bridal wear and it really brought some fun to the event.”

The runway show, presented by the Bridal Connection in Ankeny, was a new feature to the expo. The timing of the expo was also new — held in November instead of February as in previous years.

Pelzer said the event will be held again next year and some vendors have agreed to return.

“I would recommend this expo to other brides,” Martin said. “It’s awesome. I got new ideas and got to talk to local people.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream at

641-753-6611 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com